The definition of product buildup is residue or film that sits on the scalp and hair strands causing a grimy coating and/or a flaky substance. Some common signs of product build up include hair that looks or feels lifeless, flakes or flaky powder in the hair shaft, or overly dry dull hair.
Lets find out why this problem occurs and how you can fix it.
5 Causes of Buildup on the Scalp and Hair Strands:
- Not Shampooing and Cleansing Regularly – As we style our hair daily or once or twice a week, adding styling products such as gels, hair sprays, defining creams, etc., can cause to much layers of residue on the hair and scalp. Product on top of product without cleansing equals weighed down hair and a scalp that is suffering from suffocation.
- Using A Shampoo Containing Silicones – Using some shampoos that contain ingredients (such as silicones) can leave a film on the hair and do not properly penetrate the cuticle. You can stop using it or make sure you clarify your hair regularly.
- Using “Moisturizing” Products that are Not Water-Based: In order to fill your cuticle with moisture, you have to add water. If your moisturizing product is not contain water as a main ingredient, then its just coating the hair and not adding any moisture.
- Overly using products – Just remember “A little goes a long way”. Do not add too many products on top of each other or you will end up with waxy, greasy, flaky, lint attracting hair. If you use some gel heavily one day, do not reapply the next day. Try to not often choose and alternate styles that need heavy product applications.
- Bad Product Ingredients – It is a good practice to check the ingredients in the products before buying and using them. The more natural ingredients a product have, the better. Watch out for products that contain too much heavy waxes, oils, and harsh alcohols such as parabens, sulfates, paraffin, gluten, propylene glycol, etc.
Now that you know what can cause buildup, below are 3 things that can remove the buildup effectively.
Clarify Your Scalp and Hair
A regular shampoo removes dirt and oil, but has a hard time getting rid of heavy residue. A clarifying shampoo is more acidic giving a deep clean, and if used weekly for heavy buildups or at least once a month, your hair will restore the bounce and its natural vibrancy.
Use Baking Soda
You can use baking soda two ways: 1) Add a tablespoon to the amount of shampoo you will use in a container and mix it together then wash as normal. 2) Rub the baking soda into your wet hair, rinse it out, then shampoo your hair as normal.
Using an Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Mix a tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar to 1 cup of water in a bottle. Shampoo and Condition your hair, then apply the Apple Cider Vinegar mix to your hair and scalp (you can leave in for 30 seconds), then rinse out with cold water to help seal the hair shaft.
